Strategic Buyer

American Greetings - Westlake, OH

Full-time

Hybrid - Westlake, OH

Publishing Industries

About the position

The Strategic Buyer is a pivotal role within our organization, responsible for managing all aspects of category and commodity procurement from strategy development to execution. This position is based in our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, and is hybrid, focusing on candidates residing in Northeast Ohio. The buyer will establish and maintain a comprehensive category strategy for sourcing and procuring materials that support multiple manufacturing facilities. This involves collaborating with key partners to source new materials, soliciting competitive proposals, negotiating with potential suppliers, and presenting recommended suppliers to Sourcing Management for selection. In addition to sourcing new materials, the Strategic Buyer will manage established materials and suppliers, continuously updating strategies to align with the company's goals and objectives. This includes working closely with various departments such as Creative, Product Management, Fulfillment, Manufacturing, Legal, and Risk Management to establish specifications for products and services within the assigned category. The buyer will also be responsible for preparing and negotiating Requests for Proposals (RFPs), ensuring ongoing supplier development to enhance supply chain performance, and resolving any quality issues with suppliers. The role requires the identification, evaluation, and implementation of cost reduction strategies within the supply chain process. The Strategic Buyer will draft service and supply agreements, review them with Legal and management, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function. Additionally, the buyer will conduct market research and analyze industry trends to identify cost savings opportunities, prepare and present procurement reports and analytics to senior management, and ensure daily execution to support manufacturing facilities. This position is integral to the success of our procurement strategy and requires a proactive approach to managing supplier relationships and procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of category/commodity procurement from strategy to execution.
• Establish and maintain a category strategy for sourcing and procuring materials.
• Collaborate with key partners to source new materials and solicit competitive proposals.
• Negotiate with potential suppliers and present recommended suppliers to Sourcing Management.
• Manage established materials and suppliers, updating strategies as necessary.
• Work with various departments to establish specifications for products and services.
• Prepare and negotiate RFPs.
• Source new suppliers for key categories/commodities and evaluate their capabilities.
• Ensure ongoing supplier development to improve supply chain performance.
• Resolve quality issues with suppliers on products/services received.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement cost reduction strategies within the supply chain process.
• Draft service and supply agreements and review them with Legal and management.
• Train, instruct, and supervise team members as needed.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with business objectives.
• Conduct market research and analyze industry trends for cost savings opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with business needs and priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.
• Prepare and present procurement reports and analytics to senior management.
• Work with internal and external partners to ensure daily execution to support manufacturing facilities.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years' experience within procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management.
• Experience in sourcing and procurement within the graphic printing sector is highly preferred.
• Ability to analyze and interpret business results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong PC skills, including excellent knowledge of the complete Microsoft suite.
• Demonstrate advanced Excel proficiency, including pivot tables, Power Query, and Power Pivot.
• Preferred experience with Power BI.
• Demonstrated decision-making abilities and superior judgment.
• Significant project management skills and understanding.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to establish and build productive relationships, both internal and external.
• Proficient in purchasing processes and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills including verbal and written.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Power BI is preferred.